Control line system for power kites

ABSTRACT

A line guide system for controlling a power kite ( 20 ) comprising a line guide system ( 50 ) directing multiple control lines ( 30 ) within line guide mechanisms ( 52 ) and line sheath ( 54 ). Further a harness line ( 34 ) and harness line handle ( 62 ) connecting the kite controller ( 32 ) and the tractive pull of the power kite to the kite operator ( 24 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the control line systems of power kites,generally associated with the activity of kiteboarding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Power kites add a new dimension to flying kites. These large kites, witha surface area greater than about two square meters, are capable ofgenerating substantial tractive forces. These tractive forces have beenused in many ways to convert kite flying from an almost sedentarypastime to a fast-paced and challenging activity. For example, athletesand thrill seekers have combined power kites with boards, skis, boats,sleds and wheeled land vessels to speed across water and land. The sportof kiteboarding is becoming evermore popular, and the demands for highquality equipment that is safe and simple to operate has become a veryhigh priority.

The large forces generated by power kites demand significant operatorcontrol throughout the kite set up, launching process, kite flyingcycle, and the landing process. In many cases the kite is tethered to ahand held control bar by a multitude of control lines. The linestransfer the load of the kite to the kite operator and transfer the kiteoperator's movement of the control bar to the kite.

Multiple lines coming off the control bar and up to the kite can be verydangerous. During the kite's launch, they can be snagged on the ground,tangled, or worse the lines may wrap around a bystander causinginjuries. Line tangles and snags complicate the launch and may preventthe kite from flying properly. Further, such events may cause the lineto be weakened, or even break. If a kite line that is weakened duringthe launch breaks during the flight cycle, the kite operator will losecontrol of the kite and jeopardize his safety and the safety of othersaround him.

Another concern during launch is the amount of space on a launch sitethat is consumed by setting up the control lines. With a multitude ofcontrol lines of at least about 20 meters to more than 28 meters apeice, each operator setting up his kite's lines takes up substantialspace. It is a common occurrence to spend a considerable amount of timeuntangling kite lines during set up. With multiple kite operators allsetting up long lines and consuming large portions of launch sites,space becomes limited and the chance of a tangle or catching a line on afellow operator becomes increasingly viable.

Inventions attempting to solve the issue of long lines have come up withmany alternatives such as variable line kite controllers with spoolingapparatuses, line organizers, and others but are unsatisfactory. Forexample, variable line kite controllers and spooling apparatuses such asthose claimed in patent application US 2002/0084384 A1, are bulky insize, heavy in weight, can be faulty, and still leave all of the controllines separate as they extend to the kite.

During the flight cycle, it is common to come into close contact withfellow kiteboarders. With multiple lines stemming from the control barto the kite, there is a greater chance of snagging a kite line onanother kite enthusiast or some other person on the surface where thekite is being flown. Being caught up in kite lines can cause seriousinjury and even death. In the event that a kite line was to strikeanother person, serious injury would certainly result. In the event thata kite line was to break during the flight cycle, the kite operatorwould be at risk of being struck by a control line or hitting someoneelse. Further, a broken line has the capacity to wrap around an objectand re-power the kite. Since the kite operator has no control over thekite in the case of a broken line, the kite can be very dangerous inthis situation. If the line becomes taut after catching on an object orperson, the kite may become re-powered and generate the same tractiveforce as it would when it is in full operation, creating multiplehundreds of pounds of pull on the lines.

Upon landing the kite, many concerns can arise from multiple lines.Getting a line snagged on the ground or an obtrusive object can causethe operator to lose control of the kite. If the line comes down arounda person or another kite system, tangles and injuries may result.Wrapping up the lines can also be a difficult job resulting in furthertangles of the lines and may be very time consuming.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the contained lineguide system detailed in my patent, there are several objects andadvantages of the present invention. The contained line system preventstangling of control lines at all stages of the kite flying cycleincluding set up, kite launch, flight cycle, landing and disassemblingof the kite system. Containment of the control lines within a linesheath rids the issue of snagging the lines, hence protecting the linesfrom weakening and/or breaking. Further, the line guide system creates acontained set of control lines extending to the kite from the kitecontroller. This system also increases the steering response of thekite.

In terms of simplicity and ease of set up, the contained line system hasmany advantages over the present control line systems. First, containedlines are much simpler to set up, hence shortening the set up time.Second, since this system incorporates a multitude of control lines intoa contained set of lines, which does not have to be checked for tanglesbefore use, this system takes up less space on a launch site and iseasily laid out for connection to both the control bar and kite.Finally, with the contained line system, the issue of line snags duringlaunch (which is common with the current line systems) is eliminated.

In terms of safety, containing multiple control lines into at least oneor two contained line systems, creates a more visible and less dangerousline system. With a single line there is a much smaller chance ofcatching a line on something or someone. Since the line is more visibleit is more easily seen by the kite operator and surrounding individuals.This will aid in keeping the line system away from people and objectsthat can cause harm and difficulty. Since the contained line system islarger in diameter than each individual line, the severity of injury inthe case of contact with a person is lessened.

By containing the lines within a sheath, the issues associated with aline breaking are also lessened substantially. Instead of whippinguncontrollably in an area as large as the line's length, the broken linewill, in many cases, remain within the line sheath, hence disabling itfrom wrapping around someone or something or getting caught on an objectand re-powering the kite. A broken control line can be an extremelydangerous situation, with the line whipping around uncontrollably,Keeping the line within the sheath after a break creates a largeadvantage in the prospect of a safe landing without injury.

The future of kiteboarding is dependent on safe operation of theactivity. Further objects and advantages are to provide a line controlsystem that is simple to use, safe to operate, and easy and inexpensiveto manufacture. This system can be applied to power kite systems of allsizes and types and provides a safe and simple alternative to presentcontrol line systems. The objects and advantages will become apparentfrom a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. StillFurther, the invention will be appreciated by kiteboarders andbystanders around the globe.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, a device for controlling apower kite comprising a line guide system for means of directingmultiple control lines within line guides and sheath. Further, a harnessline and harness line handle as a means of transferring tractive pullfrom a power kite to a kite operator.

DRAWINGS-FIGURES

FIG. Prior Art is a perspective view of a kite operator controlling apower kite with various aspects of prior art power kite systems.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a kite operator controlling a power kitewith various aspects of a power kite system in accordance with aspectsof the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a kite operator controlling a power kitewith various aspects of a power kite system in accordance with aspectsof the invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of aspects of power kite system in FIG. 1, showingorientation of a control line system to kite controller and kite.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of aspects of the kite control system in FIG. 2,showing orientation of a control line system to kite controller andkite.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of selected aspects of a control line system ofFIGS. 1 and 3, including the harness line, kite controller and controllines of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of various aspects of a control line system ofFIGS. 2 and 4, including the harness line, kite controller and controllines.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the kite operator connected to theharness line by a spreader bar hook attached to the harness.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the harness line in reference to the kitecontroller, comprising a harness line handle and harness lineattachment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a line guide system, encompassing anddirecting four control lines.

FIGS. 9A-D are plan views of multiple line guide hole configurationpatterns for directing control lines.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a line guide system, encompassing anddirecting two control lines.

FIG. 10A is a plan view of a suitable line guide hole configurationpattern for directing control lines.

DRAWINGS—Reference Numerals

20 Kite System

22 Kite

24 Kite Operator

26 Conveyance Platform

28 Surface

30 Control Line System

32 Kite Controller

34 Harness Line

36 Harness

38 Lead lines

38A Left Front Kite Lead Line

38B Right Front Kite Lead Line

38C Left Rear Kite Lead Line

38D Right Rear Kite Lead Line

40 Front Corners

40A Left Front Corner

40B Right Front Corner

42 Rear Corners

42A Left Rear Corner

42B Right Rear Corner

44 Connection Points

46 Leading Edge

48 Trailing Edge

50 Line Guide System

52 Line Guide Mechanism

54 Line Sheath

56 Power Lines

56A Left Power Line

56B Right Power Line

58 Steering Lines

58A Left Steering Line

58B Right Steering Line

60 Sheetline Mechanism

62 Harness Line Handle

64 Spreader Bar Hook

66 Emergency Release

68 Safety release

70 Line Guide Stoppers

72 Flute

74 Harness line attachment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Section One—FIGS. 1 and 2—Power Kite Systems

This section describes the elements of a power kite system and how theseelements are physically and functionally interconnected; see FIG. 1. Ina power kite system 20, a kite 22 may be used to pull a kite operator 24on a conveyance platform 26 (in this case a kiteboard), across a surface28. The kite is connected to the operator by a number of control lines30 (in this case, four) attached to a control bar 32. The control bar,also referred to as a kite controller may be grasped by the operatorand/or linked to the operator with a harness line 34 attached to aharness 36.

The kite generally comprises any tethered flying device elevated above asurface by an interplay of forces provided by the wind, gravity, thecontrol lines, and some form of tension by the kite operator. Here windrefers to the force of moving air, which may be created by air movingrelative to the kite and/or the kite moving relative to the air. Windmay be at least about 5 knots up to about 40 knots or more. Power kitesmay be flown by a stationary operator or used to generate a tractiveconveyance force and flown by a moving operator, commonly associated tothe activity of kiteboarding.

The kite operator 24 generally comprises any person or persons linked tothe power generated by the kite. The kite may be flown by a stationaryor moving operator.

The conveyance platform 26 generally comprises any structure or devicethat can be pulled over a surface by the force of the kite.Alternatively the operator's feet may serve as the conveyance platformthat contacts the surface.

The surface 28 generally comprises any boundary capable of slidinglysupporting a conveyance platform.

The control lines 30 generally comprises any elongated tetheringmaterial capable of coupling the kite (and the force generated by thekite) to the kite controller. Said control lines may be a multitude ofkite lines that directly connect the kite controller to the kite or mayalso include multiple lead lines 38. Lead lines are generally of greaterdiameter than the control lines. The lead lines may link the controlline to the kite controller, generally being directly attached to thecontroller. Said lead lines provide a means of adjusting the controlline length to accurately maneuver the kite during flight. Said leadlines may also extend directly from the front corners 40 and/or rearcorners 42 of the kite to the control lines in order to adjust for thecorrect ratio of control line length to the kite size. The lead linesmay be connected at connection points 44, including various knots and/orlooping techniques. The control lines may include two, three, four, ormore lines attached to the kite at plural sites.

As shown in FIG. 1, plural lines may extend to the leading edge 46 andtrailing edge 48 of the kite from the kite controller through a lineguide system 50. The line guide system is comprised of at least two lineguides 52 (of various hole patterns), and a line sheath 54 (of variousmaterials) which contains the control lines within it. Line guidesystems are described in detail in section 3. In this case, four linesextend from the lead lines connected to the kite controller, through asingle line guide system, and connect to the lead lines adjacent to thekite.

Other numbers and distributions of the line guide systems may besuitable. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates another suitable line guidesystem of four control lines directed through two separate line guidesystems. In this case the four lines are channeled through two separateline guide systems, with 2 lines in each line guide and sheath, andattached to the lead lines of the kite. These configurations may be usedto channel a plurality of control lines attached to the lead linesand/or kite and/or kite controller into an enclosed line system from thekite to the kite controller. In some embodiments other distributions ofcontrol lines will extend into a multitude of line guide systempatterns. Generally at least two control lines will be used, with oneextending from each side of the kite controller upward to the kite.

The kite controller 32 generally comprises any device for connecting thebody of the operator 24 to the pull of the control lines 30. The kitecontroller may allow fixed or adjustable position of control lines,generally being capable of withstanding at least about 200 pounds oftractive force from the kite.

The harness 36 generally comprises any mechanism for connecting the kitecontroller to the kite operator's body, both to disperse force from theoperator's hands and to prevent separation of the kite controller fromthe kite operator. The harness should be strong enough to withstand theentire force generated by the kite, and generally extends around thewaist and/or torso of the operator. The harness line 34 facilitates theconnection from the kite controller 32 to the harness 36.

Section Two—FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8—Control Line Systems

This section describes the elements of the control line system and howthese parts are physically and functionally interconnected to variouselements of the kite control system. As shown in FIG. 3, plural controllines extend from plural lead lines attached to the kite and kitecontroller. Control lines generally comprise one or more central orpower lines 56A-B which may extend to the front of the kite (or frontlead lines) and two or more outer or steering lines 58A-B which mayextend to the rear corners of the kite (or rear lead lines). In thiscase, said control lines consist of a left power line 56A, a right powerline 56B, a left steering line 58A, and a right steering line 58B. Inthis case of four control lines, said lead lines are connected to theleft front corner 40A, right front corner 40B, left rear corner 42A, andright rear corner 42B of the kite. Typically, each control line connectsto a corresponding lead line at the kite and/or kite controller. Saidlead lines consist of a left front kite lead line 38A, right front kitelead line 38B, left rear kite lead line 38C, and right rear kite leadline 38D which extend from the kite. These lead lines, of variouslengths and diameters, may be used to adjust the kite's flightperformance. Lead lines may also extend from the kite controller to thecorresponding control lines. Such lead lines consist of a left powerkite controller lead line 38E, right power kite controller lead line38F, left steering kite controller lead line 38G, and right steeringkite controller lead line 38H. Generally such lead lines adjust controlline length and the kite's flight performance.

Other numbers and distributions may be suitable. For example, FIG. 4illustrates an alternative four control line system to FIG. 3. In thiscase the four control lines are directed through two separate linecontrol systems with two lines in each guide and sheath.

Changing the relative lengths of control lines during kite flying, andthus the power exerted by the kite, is generally referred to assheeting. Generally, sheeting is affected by the relative deployedlengths of control lines that extend to the front and rear of the kite.FIG. 5 depicts a sheeting adjustment mechanism 60 which generallycomprises any mechanism that allows the kite operator to independentlyregulate the effective length of a subset of control lines. Generallythe sheeting adjustment mechanism is used to alter the pitch of thekite, thus changing the amount of wind harnessed and the force generatedby the kite.

As shown in FIG. 7, the harness line 34 facilitates the connection fromthe kite controller to the harness by providing a link from the spreaderbar hook 64 to the kite controller. Said harness line may include aharness line handle 62. Said harness line handle enables the kiteoperator to grasp the harness line for connection and release from thespreader bar hook. Said harness line handle must be of at least adequatesize for a hand to grasp, and may be larger. The harness line handle isof rigid structure in order to maintain integrity under tension andprevent twisting of the line upon itself.

FIG. 8 details the kite controller attachment 74 which is one suitablemethod of connecting the harness line to the kite controller. Othermethods may also be suitable to connect said harness line. FIG. 5 showsthe harness line and harness line handle in relationship to the kitecontroller. Shown in FIG. 5, the emergency release, 66 allows the kiteoperator to disconnect immediately from the kite and control systemwhile under load. The device is deployed by pulling on the loop locatedon the handle.

Section Three—FIGS. 5, 9, 9A-D, 10, 10A Line Control Systems

As shown in FIG. 9, a line guide system 50 may include multiple controllines, contained within at least two line guides 52 and a line sheath54. Line sheaths 54 are generally elongate tubes with an inner parameterthat is greater than the parameter of the control lines, to allow thecontrol lines to pass through the sheath easily. Line sheaths may beslidably positioned over multiple control lines as a means ofcontainment and protection. The size and composition of the line sheathsmay be selected based on functional considerations. As mentioned above,the inner parameter is selected to allow the control lines to passeasily through the sheath. Sheaths may be somewhat flexible, waterresistant, light in weight, and protective against abrasion of thecontrol lines within it.

The line guide 52 is a mechanism containing channels through whichmultiple control lines may be passed in a controlled manner. Line guidesmay be comprised of multiple hole configuration patterns suitable for 1,2, 3, 4 or more control lines. The size, shape and material willgenerally be adequate to minimize friction of lines traveling throughthe line guide mechanism. Said mechanism will generally maintain asustained position by multiple line guide stoppers 70, positioned aboveand below the line guide on one or more power lines 56A-B. In the caseof FIG. 9 the line guide stoppers are sandwiching the line guide nearestthe kite controller on the left power line and the guide nearest thekite on the right power line. Line guide stoppers must be large enoughto prevent them from traveling through the line holes in the guide andstrong enough to withstand the force generated by the kite. Alternativemethods and configurations may also be suitable. For example FIG. 10illustrates a line guide system of two lines per guide. This method maybe suitable for two control line kite systems or may be used inconjunction with another line guide system for four control line kitesystems. FIG. 10A details a suitable hole pattern for two control lines.Multiple configurations are suitable for multiple control lines. Somesuitable patterns are shown in FIGS. 9A-D.

As shown in FIG. 9, a flute 72 extends around the line guide as means ofsecuring the line sheath to the line guide. This can be achieved inmultiple ways. In this case it is secured by a tight fitting bandencompassing the line guide and sheath at the flute. Other means ofattachment may be suitable.

Various safety systems may be incorporated in the line guide system.This may include at least the attachment of a safety release line 68 asshown in FIG. 5. In this case the safety release line is connected fromthe right power line to the operator's harness. This ensures that whenthe kite controller is separated from the operator, the safety releaseline remains connected to the operator, while the other lines traveltoward the kite along with the kite controller, hence disabling theforce of the kite's pull. This system also prevents the kite operatorfrom being separated from the kite and control system. Details of asuitable safety release system can be seen in FIG. 5.

Although the descriptions above contain many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding illustrations of the presently preferred embodiments of thisinvention. For example, the line guides can have other shapes such ascircular, oval, trapezoidal, triangular, etc. The line sheath can haveother shapes. The flute may be any form of attaching the sheath to theline guide, etc. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by theexamples given.

1. A line guide system for controlling a power kite, Comprising:
 2. Theline guide system of claim 1, further including a line guide mechanismadapted to direct multiple control lines from the kite operator to thekite, generally comprising;
 3. The line guide mechanism of claim 2wherein two or more line guides are positioned in reference to the kiteand kite controller
 4. The line guide mechanism of claim 2, furtherincluding multiple hole patterns
 5. The line guide mechanism of claim 2wherein the size, shape, and material are capable of harnessing andredirecting the tractive force of the kite with minimal friction
 6. Theline guide mechanism of claim 2, further including a line guide stopperas means of securing said line guide at desired location
 7. The lineguide system of claim 1, further including control lines comprisingplural connection points and generally comprising;
 8. The line guidesystem of claim 1, further including a line sheath capable ofencompassing multiple control lines with minimal friction
 9. The lineguide system of claim 1, further including a flute as a means ofconnecting said line sheath from claim 8 to said line guide mechanism ofclaim 2
 10. The line guide system of claim 1, further including aharness line generally generally comprising;
 11. The harness line ofclaim 10, further including a graspable handle portion of rigidstructure
 12. The harness line of claim 10, wherein there is a means ofconnecting the tractive force of the kite to the kite operator
 13. Theharness line of claim 10, further including an emergency release asmeans of immediate disconnection of the kite operator form the tractiveforce of the kite
 14. A method of containing control lines for use witha power kite, comprising: (a) The method of claim 14 wherein multiplecontrol lines are inserted into and through numerous line guides (b) Themethod of claim 14 wherein multiple control lines and line guides arecovered with a sheath (c) The method of claim 14 wherein said linesheath is connected to said line guide (d) The method of claim 14wherein multiple control lines are channeled to the kite and kitecontroller